How to Choose the Right Digital Camera

Make no mistake about it, the state of cellphone camera technology right now is insane.

In fact, it’s fair to say that the premium digital cameras which we saw on sale ten years ago would have a hard time keeping up with something like the Google Pixel XL or Samsung Galaxy S8‘s image-taking capabilities. However, serious photographers will most likely want to invest in something a little more capable. Whether you’re just looking for a point and shoot model, or you want to go full-SLR, today we’re going to walk you through a few types of camera and help you to decide which is best for you.

Standard Compact Cameras

The first thing you need to do is decide why you need a camera. If you’re just looking for a way to capture better images from your day-to-day life, consider something like a standard compact camera. The majority of these cost less than $300, feature lithium-ion batteries, LCD screens, substantial zooming capabilities, and some of them even have handy Wi-Fi connectivity features so you don’t need to back up using a PC.

Likewise, a lot of them present the user with auto-intelligence features, meaning that they’ll automatically adjust their settings to provide you with the best image possible. Something like the Sony Cyber-Shot range, or the Canon IXUS line tend to fall into the decent entry-level standard compact camera range, while providing a variety of options depending on your own specific needs.

Enthusiast Models

If you’re wanting to find a camera with the same form factor as the standard compacts, but would like to achieve something a little closer to SLR-like quality, then opting for an enthusiast model is probably a wise choice. In low-light environments, they’ll struggle to produce that same kind of sharpness, but in any other case—so long as there’s a somewhat decent source of light—you’ll likely be stunned by the output of them.

Additionally, budding photographers will be pleased to know that these units provide a more affordable way to record in the RAW format. You can also, in some cases, attach proprietary accessories as well, such as viewfinders and flash guns. However, compatibility largely depends on the camera itself.

Something like the Canon G9X will set you back somewhere between $400 and $600; this will vary depending on which retailer you go to, and which options you decide to purchase alongside the camera. However, it’s a fantastic model, having received a five-star rating from ExpertReviews, and seven out of 10 from Trusted Reviews.

DSLR Cameras

While the term “DSLR” is thrown around a lot these days, no one can blame you for not knowing what that actually means. While they did—at one time—rule the roost in terms of image quality, Digital Single-Lens Reflex models have largely been caught-up with. However, they do offer some enticing options for photography enthusiasts, not least of which is their superior quality with lenses and peripherals; the vast majority of viewfinders, additional lights, wide-angle lenses, macro lenses, and even microphones are going to work with any major-brand DSLR you pick up.

You can also expect HD video-recording capabilities to be built into the vast majority of DSLRs now available on the market, while their APS-C sensors provide them with a much-better reach than their smaller-bodied counterparts (like the above-mentioned Compact or Enthusiast Models).

In fact, full-frame cameras such as the Canon EOS 6D and Nikon D610 both offer semi-affordable ways to start taking some stunning images. With each model costing around $1,400 and $1,200 respectively (depending largely on where you look), newbie photo-bugs can now start improving their portfolios without needing to make too large an investment.

These are just a few of the options that you can consider when investing in a new digital camera. While some of them may seem to have a hefty price-tag, it’s worth remembering that you’ll get what you pay for here. Serious photographers who want to start picking up work should really start off by capturing professional-looking shots to begin attracting prospective clients. However, hobbyists will likely find very little to complain about with the lower-end models mentioned in the earlier sections of the post.

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With work, school and appointments, getting everyone together is not always easy.

That said you need quality time together as a family. Without it, the group can get caught up in their own business and tend to drift away over time.

So, are you planning a fun family day out?

Some Options on the Plate

In the event you want to have a fun day together, here are only a few of the options:

Day at the beach – What family doesn’t enjoy a day at the beach? Sure, there may be one or more in your group who are not too keen on sitting in the sand and soaking up the rays for a day. That said there are many ways to make this day a fun one. First, get an umbrella or two so those not wanting direct sun have some cover. Second, take enough food to keep everyone happy. You also want to think about some sports like volleyball, throwing a Frisbee and more. Of course going to the beach also means hopping in the water to get your feet wet or taking a swim. Unless someone is adamant that they do not like the sun or being around crowds, the beach should be a great getaway.

Whale watching – Take it a step further and think whale watching in Newport Beach or another spot. Whale watching can be both informative and fun at the same time. Getting to see these large mammals right in front of your eyes will give you a better education of how they live. As they migrate up and down the coast, you get quite an experience. When you have kids, look at the amazement in their eyes as they see these creatures up close for the first time.

Heading out for a hike – There are not too many better ways to get exercise and have fun at the same time. Going out for a family hike is one of them. Pick a trail near your home or an hour or two away. Once there, map your course so you do not have trouble getting back to your starting point. Take water, a backpack with some first aid items, a comfortable pair of shoes, and of course sunscreen. If you are on a trail that offers plants, trees, animals and more, have your camera ready to snap different shots.

Going to your local park – You may not have to travel too far to find fun and relaxation. If you haven’t up to now, check out your local park. Parks can be a great place to go to relax and forget about the daily grind for a few hours. From games to sitting there and taking in all the people watching, you will likely be back again for a visit.

No matter where you go as a family for the day, make sure you have fun and forget your troubles.

It is very important that people look after their lawns, particularly in urban areas. These lawns make the whole place look more relaxing and inviting, while at the same time helping the environment as a whole. In some of the more recent Trugreen reviews it was even found that people in hospitals who were exposed to plants would recover more quickly than those who didn’t. Meanwhile, the environmental benefits are huge. Polluted rain water is filtered by the lawn, and the blades of grass are responsible for photosynthesis at the same time. A lawn really is a wonderful thing!

Trugreen Reviews the Benefits of a Beautiful Lawn

True Green, a popular lawn care service recently came across a survey that shown 62% of people feel investing in a beautiful lawn is worthwhile. In further reviews, it was actually found that the return on investment on becoming a customer with a lawn service can be as much as 150%. Most other forms of home improvement never recover more than 70%, which shows how significant this is. Indeed, one comment on this review was from someone who said home prices could increase by as much as 15% by having a beautiful lawn in place. Should you find this review helpful, then perhaps it is time to learn how to properly maintain a lawn, something True Green has some fantastic tips for.

Tip #1 – Proper Watering

In the summer, it is vital to water the lawn properly. A lawn needs around 1” of rainfall per week, so you have to make up for that by watering if it doesn’t rain. If you’re not sure how much rain there has been, leave a container out somewhere with a 1” mark, so you know exactly how much more is needed. There are some warning signs to look out for as well, including:

The lawn turning gray or blueish.

The blades curling.

Wilted, dry blades.

The lawn not recovering after someone has walked on it.

Growth of grass weeds, like goose grass, crabgrass, and foxtail.

Watering should be done as early on the morning as possible, regardless of the season. This conserves as much as 30% more water, meaning you further help the environment. There is also such a thing as watering too much, at which point it is common to see mushrooms, algae, and moss. However, these aren’t dangerous for your lawn unless you develop a fairy ring.

Tip #2 – Mowing and Fertilizing

A healthy lawn is not generally one that is cut very short. Rather, the blades on a healthy lawn are usually around three inches high. Doing so also helps to protect the root system, by casting a shadow over it. Fertilization, meanwhile, should only be done in early spring and early fall. Do also aerate your lawn in spring.

Tip #3 – Weeds and Disease

Make sure you always check for weeds. Walk over your lawn every other day to see if any spring up. If they do, you may want to use an appropriate herbicide as soon as possible. Sometimes, however, you will need a professional treatment instead, which True Green will be happy to help with.